Abhilash Tomy, a retired naval officer, creates history by becoming the first Indian to complete the Golden Globe Race. He secured second position in the challenging solo around-the-world sailing competition, which started on September 4, 2022, from Les Sables-d’Olonne in France.
Who Is Abhilash Tomy
Abhilash Tomy is a former Indian Navy officer, naval aviator, and yachtsman. He was the son of Lieutenant Commander V.C. Tomy. After completing high school, he joined the Naval Academy in Goa, where he was commissioned into the Navy in the year 2000. Two years later, he completed his flying training and qualified as a maritime reconnaissance pilot. He became the first Indian to circumnavigate the globe, solo and non-stop, in 2013.
Abhilash Tomy’s Sailing Career
Abhilash Tomy has represented India in various global competitions. These included the 2011 Cape Town to Rio Race, the 2014 Spanish Copa del Rey Race, and two consecutive Korea Cups.
Abhilash’s experience in sailing led him to be selected as the captain for Sagar Parikrama 2. It was a solo circumnavigation of the world. In 2011, Tomy participated in the Cape Town to Rio Race to equip himself for the challenging role of captain. Subsequently, he embarked on solo and team sailing expeditions from Rio to Cape Town and from Cape Town to Goa, followed by a voyage to Malaysia and Thailand.
In November 2012, Abhilash set out on a solo journey from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. After covering a remarkable distance of 23,100 nautical miles, he returned to Mumbai in March 2013. This made him the first Indian, second Asian, and 79th person to achieve this.
In 2018, Abhilash was a special invitee and the only Asian to participate in the Golden Globe Race. However, sadly, he suffered an injury to the spinal cord, and his boat was damaged because of the storm.
In January 2021, Abhilash decided to retire from military service to concentrate on the 2022 Golden Globe Race.
Golden Globe Race 2023
After a highly challenging 300,000-mile journey worldwide, Abhilash’s yatch, ‘BAYANAT,’ crossed the finish line in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, at 06:46 hrs. He accomplished this in only 237 days. His ultimate success is a testament to his outstanding abilities.
Furthermore, his great comeback is inspiring for all. The Golden Globe Race’s official website had kind words written for Abhilash. It said,
“Abhilash Tomy‘s remarkable journey in the 2022 Golden Globe Race highlights his unwavering passion for sailing and his dedication to overcoming even the most challenging obstacles. We offer our heartfelt congratulations to him on his impressive second-place finish, the highest placing for any Asian sailor in any major sailing event. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring sailors around the world.”
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